Local Church Organization

421 Organization

1. Size

A group of adults may organize as a local church when they achieve the following:

a. Adult members from 10 or more resident families.

b. An average worship attendance of 50 or more over the preceding twelve consecutive months.

c. Have signed and returned the National Conference Covenant. [more]

2. Structure

Each local church is free to establish the structure that will best suit the needs and ministries of the congregation and community, with the exception of the following requirements with regard to 422, “Local Board of Administration,” and 423, “Lay Delegates,” and 424, “Personnel Relations Commission”

422 Local Board of Administration

1. Purpose

The local board of administration (or its equivalent) oversees all affairs pertaining to the local church. All commissions, committees, and other groups within the church are subject to the board of administration.

2. Personnel

a. The constituency of the board depends on the structure which the local church chooses to adopt. The senior pastor shall be a member of the board.

b. The board will elect these officers from its own number: a chairperson and assistant chairperson.

c. The board will appoint a person to serve as secretary.

d. All lay board members must be members of the local church.

3. Duties

a. The board shall establish the structure that will best suit the needs and ministries of the congregation and community.

b. The board shall keep its rulings and policies in harmony with the policies and proceedings of the US National Conference.

c. The board shall provide for the selection of church leaders and lay delegates.

d. The board shall provide for the responsible handling and accounting of the church’s finances.

423 Lay Delegates

1. Responsibilities

Lay delegates represent the local church to the national conference, and also serve as voting delegates at the US National Conference.

2. Qualifications

All lay delegates must be adult members of the local church they represent. The church shall not select anyone who holds a National Conference license or is being recommended to the National Conference for license.

3. Selection

Each local church may determine the method for selecting lay delegates.

4. Notification

The local board shall inform the US bishop of the delegates and alternates chosen, according to the timeline specified by the bishop

424 Personnel Relations Commission

Each church shall have a Personnel Relations Committee. Its responsibilities include:

1. Serve as a conferring and counseling committee to the pastor and other employed personnel.

2. Be sensitive to the relationship between the pastor and congregation.

3. Make recommendations concerning the pastor’s salary and benefits. [more]

4. Make recommendations to the local board concerning such things as vacation, pulpit supply, and attendance at conventions and seminars.

5. Cooperate with the stationing committee in securing a pastor when the need arises. [more]

6. Make recommendations to the local board concerning job descriptions of other employed personnel.